TWO major companies have expressed an interest in investing in Anglesey, creating up to 1,300 jobs.

The proposed closure of Wylfa power station has caused much concern on the island, but the Môn a Menai Action Plan, put forward by the Welsh Assembly to bring in more investment, is being welcomed.

However, there are calls for transport links to Anglesey to be improved sooner rather than later.

The companies interested in moving to the island are believed to be involved in the development and aerospace industries.

Mark Isherwood, the Conservative AM for North Wales, said: "I recently met companies proposing major investment and job creation on Ynys Môn. They advised me that resolution of problems with the Britannia Bridge were focal, and that there was a need to bring forward plans for a new bridge. Action must be taken on transport links."

He believes that the Môn a Menai programme needs to be planned thoroughly beyond the closure of Wylfa by public, private and voluntary sectors working together.

"Anglesey remains one of the five poorest regions in the whole of the UK – it received one of the lowest local government settlements, meaning cuts in service provision at a time when it is needed most.

"The core of Anglesey’s economy, the Wylfa power station, is due to close in 2010.

"As the action plan states, ‘The decommissioning of Wylfa and the associated risks to Anglesey Aluminium and other businesses are of major potential significance to the local and regional economies’.

"Businesses and the local population need the assurance that beneath the rhetoric is a proper policy and business plan."

Ieuan Wyn Jones AM admits that transport links need to be improved, and that significant investment needs to be made in the island.

He said: "Wylfa plays an incredibly important role in the economy of Anglesey, as does the Anglesey Aluminium plant.

"The two employers combined equate to around 1,500 of the island’s highest paid jobs. This is a factor that cannot be ignored and it is essential that everyone works together to create a strong and sustainable future for Wylfa.

"Plaid has long argued for investment in communities across Wales in order to create vibrant and sustainable economies. This is something that I am addressing through measures such as improving transport links and creating a £36m start-up fund to help small businesses."

Albert Owen MP welcomed the Môn a Menai plan and said: "I have welcomed this Labour- led initiative since its inception. It will help the economic regeneration of the area and I also welcome the teamwork of the establishments involved."